Sunday, February 28, 2010

On Friday I took the Sewing 101 class at the Urban Craft Center, with Christine Haynes, author of the book Chic and Simple Sewing.

I took the class because sewing is something I've wanted to try for awhile. While I don't have my own machine, there are several places in the area were you can rent out sewing machine time. During class I successfully made a pillow cover, and definitely want to sew more soon.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

This past weekend I had my friends Anne and Sherry over for a knitting 101 party. After a quick brush-up, they were off.

*serious knitters in action*

My favorite knitting basics books are the Stitch 'N Bitch series. While most knitting steps are like breathing to me, I am always pulling out my Happy Hooker book to brush up on my crochet skills. The steps are easy to follow, accompanied by great pictures, with witty comments worked in.

Monday, February 15, 2010

I hope you all had a fantastic Valentine’s day! This is perhaps one of the silliest things I have ever knit, but I present to you Boyfriend’s Valentine:

The Luvgun!

An updated cupid’s arrow: it shoots out hearts!

I have found that when you explain to non-knitters who ask what you’re getting your boyfriend for Valentine’s day, telling them you are knitting a stuffed toy gun that shoots out hearts, results in a few eyebrow raises.

Here’s the Ravelry link to the pattern. This was a great use of scrap yarn in my stash, and I think Boyfriend really appreciated it’s silliness.

The card “I choo-choo-choose you,” (a Ralph quote from the Simpsons) is from the Earmark store on Etsy.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Last night at the WeHo SnB, we had a scarf/cowl swap to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

It was a bit of a race for me to finish up my swap gift, but I was pleased with how it turned out, and I thought it fit Teresa, the recipient of my gift, perfectly. I didn’t get a picture of it on her, but I did take a few of it on me before I wrapped it up and sent it on its way.

I used the Flower Scarf pattern, and learned how to do the Fisherman’s Rib, which was new to me. On one end there is a “Queen's Ball button” that hooks into the middle of the flower attached to the other end.

I love love love the scarf that I received from Beth. It is so soft and squishy, and beautifully crocheted. It is in the perfect Sarah Sparkle color. Tucked in my sparkly tissue paper was also some delicious chocolate and monogrammed S paper.

The swap was such a smashing success – it was so fun to hear so many appreciative knitters, excited to receive something hand crafted just for them, that they didn’t have to do themselves. Each gift was so different from the next, and all seemed to fit their recipient perfectly.